A PETITION on the Downing Street website calling for those who advocate independence for Wales and Scotland to be jailed for treason is a hoax.

The petition – which purports to have been drafted by Caerphilly councillor Dave Rees of True Wales, the group which opposes more powers for the National Assembly – reads: “We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to prosecute any person or organisation that promotes the break-up of the United Kingdom, including promoting independence for Wales or Scotland or reunification of Ireland, under the Treason Act 1531, which offence to be punishable by imprisonment for a minimum of five years.”

The petition has secured eight signatures.

But spokeswoman for True Wales Rachel Banner said: “This is a mickey-take.

“ We believe in freedom of speech.”

A Downing Street spokesman said: “We have to take petitions at face value.

“Obviously we will take them down when a company or group named as the petitioner contact us to say they did not submit it.”